The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1887-08-05


dinner at his elegant table was thoroughly
delightful. He was man of the world
as Well as q man Of letters, and he knew
now to draw cut the fine points of his
guests His conversation was always
rich and varied, with fund of delightful
anecdotes. The mansion was elegantly
appointed. On the right of the wide old
entrance hall was his study, where he did
all his work, and this room had also been
Washington's office. The paneled walls
and the high carved mantelpiece were
the same as the Father of his Country had
looked upon. In the rear Of this room
was grand drawing-room, used by
Longfellow as the library, filled with
thousands of costly books and works Of
art. On the left of the hall was Mrs.
Longfellow's reception-p arlor, and it had
filled the same office for Mrs. Washing
ton. Adjoining this room was a large
dining-room, and it was here that the
poet, surrounded by congenial spirits,
shone at his best.
Longfellow's very extensive scholar
ship and excellent memory made his con-
versation more delightful than that of
any man l ever met. He would narrate
with equal ease "reminiscences of distin-
guished men he had himself known, and
then would be equally at home with by
gone celebrities; the sages of Queen
Elizabeth's time, the wits of Queen Anne's
and the knights of chivalrous foray or
the paladins of Charlemagne. OF anus
ing anecdotes he had an immense fund
and never told the same story twice
Dining with him once we were discuss
ing some of Sir Walter Scott's charac-
tiers, and called up that scene in 1.-THE Tai
isman" in which Saladin takes off the
head of the grand master Of the Tenn
plars by lightning sweep Of his seine
tar. "But can tell you of swordsman
still more adroit," said Longfellow, "if
you would like to hear an instance of
his skill" "By all means" / answered.
swell, then" he replied, ''there is said
to have been Sultan of Turkey SO
famous for his dexterity in decapitation
that it was considered great honor
to be beheaded by him. Accordingly be
sent one day for man of high rank, and
told him he was going to do him the
honor of taking his head off. To hear
is to obey said the delighted courtier.
The Sultan then drew his sword and
passed it lightly round the neck of the
courtier, adding, How do you feel now p
Perfectly WELL replied the unsuspect-
ing man. Shake your head said the
Sultan. The courtier did so, and it In
stantly fell off, for he had been so won
derfully executed that he never knew it.
There" said Longfellow, twas a touch
beyond Saladin," and we all so COM
pletely agreed with him that we never
thought even to ask the name of the
wonderful swordsman.
At Newport, again, often met Longz
fellow, where for several seasons he
occupied house on the cliffs. Then it
was charming to have familiar stroll
with him along the rocky brink of the
sea-wall, looking out upon the vast
ocean, the beach and the adjacent head
lands and islets in the distance. Then 1t
was that his real nature as poet seemed
to flow from him without restraint,
would dwell upon the might and glory
of the ocean, the peaceful meadows and
the distant hay-ricks and wind-mills of
the old island.
After many years of happiness and
fame, he had the sad misfortune to lose
his wife by dreadful accident. She
had been amusing her children one sum-
mer day by taking impressions of sealing
wax; some of it dropped burning upon
her light summer dress, and she was in
stantly in flames, dying very soon after
ward. Thenceforth the poets life was
saddened forever. / visited him several
times after his bereavement. He bore
up manfully for the sake of his children,
but it was evident that his spirit was
broken. Surrounded with the love and
veneration of all, he lived on and nothing
ever touched him more than the graceful
school children of the chair made from
the wood of the chestnut tree which had
waved over the smithy of the Village
Blacksmith AT length, full of years
and honors, he departed, and I can now
only cherish his memory as one of the
noblest and most gifted of men.
OsMoND TIFFANY.